Warden condemns ‘disgusting’ actions of protesters

Singh’s treatment here doesn’t represent community: Jones

Peterborough County Warden J. Murray Jones has denounced the “disgusting” actions of protesters who launched a verbal attack on federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh last week during a stop in Peterborough.

“On behalf of all county council, we stand united in our condemnation of the actions of those involved with threatening and defaming NDP leader Jagmeet Singh last week,” Jones said in a statement issued Wednesday.

On May 10, Singh spoke to supporters inside the campaign office of Peterborough-Kawartha NDP provincial candidate Jen Deck on George Street. While exiting the rally, Singh was met by a group of protesters — some of whom swore and jeered at him, yelling “traitor!” and “not welcome.”

The group of protesters included some individuals who have publicly decried COVID-19 health restrictions and vaccine mandates.

“The actions of those perpetrators was disgusting and they certainly don’t represent the majority of people in our community who are inclusive and kind,” stated Jones.

“This type of behaviour has to stop. We are seeing it far too often on social media, in person, toward politicians and against one another here in the greater Peterborough area, throughout Ontario and Canada and around the world. Practise tolerance and acceptance and respect for one another. We have so much to be grateful for.”

Last week, Singh told reporters in Ottawa that protesters had called for his death following the Peterborough rally.

“Some folks were saying, ‘I hope you die,’ and things of that nature. A lot of aggression and violence in terms of the behaviour, demeanour,” he said.

The incident prompted a statement of support from Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, who applauded Singh for meeting “hate with grace.”

This type of behaviour has to stop. We are seeing it far too often.

J. MURRAY JONES PETERBOROUGH COUNTY WARDEN

During a campaign stop in Peterborough on Tuesday, she said she was “disgusted” by the incident.

Also on Tuesday, Mayor Diane Therrien called on leaders and politicians across Canada to condemn the incident.

In Jones’ statement Wednesday, he said he supports Therrien’s “disgust at the actions of a few during the recent visit of NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.”

“These words and actions in no way represent the good people of the Peterborough region.”

On Tuesday, city police stated there are no grounds to lay criminal charges against any of the protesters.